Replenishment Planner - UK & Ireland Coffee Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Kraft Foods, so much so, that I took a contract extension for a further 3 months over the university holidays.

Arguably the people have been the best part of the placement. From day one, I was welcomed as part of the team and have also been involved in some memorable sporting and social events and evenings.

I was given a lengthy handover from the previous placement student so had plenty of support during the initial training. My manager was promoted and moved across to Zurich, Switzerland mid-way through my placement and as a result a new manager took his role which went very smoothly, he was taken on from an external company and so at times I was guiding and supporting him!

The nature of my job was such that there was a weekly cycle, with a series of deadlines throughout the week so I knew what needed to be done by when. This allowed me to manage my time effectively so that there was never a dull moment!

The amount of responsibility that I was given was what shocked me the most about my placement at Kraft. I was given a portfolio of 120 coffee products which are sourced from plants all over Europe and told that I was to manage the supply of them based on a forecast in our system, whilst managing waste and inventory risk. I think that the responsibility is why I have enjoyed my time here so much.

I think that my work ethic has been greatly improved having completed my placement and I feel that I can carry this over to my university studies.

The atmosphere is always very light in my department, although some functions are a bit more subdued!

I joined at a difficult time for the company as Cadbury (who I initially applied with) had just been bought by Kraft Foods and there was a lot of personnel and location changes. The first two months I was based in Kraft's old Cheltenham offices, which closed in September and then I moved permanently up to Bournville, Birmingham. But even with this change, the organisation and communication was good.

I was given a lengthy handover of my portfolio from the previous IP student and this was vital in giving me a real understanding of the role early on. This allowed me to look at other projects and developments outside of the day job. I have done various SAP and Excel training courses during my time here.

Very appealing, everybody has to go through the normal application process, which is aligned across the whole of Kraft Foods Europe. I will definitely be applying for the Graduate Scheme.

I have had some memorable evenings with the colleagues here and also been involved in many sporting events both social and competitive (football and cricket).

Being in Birmingham the cost of living isn't 'cheap' but it is reasonable. Bournville itself was originally a Qauker village and so there was originally no public houses! However, there is now one pub! Birmingham city centre is only a 5/10 minute train ride away.

Nothing to write home about in Bournville itself, but Birmingham is just a 5/10 minute train ride away.

There are lots of activities and events going on all the time. Many people had the chance to volunteer at the Olympics this summer and some even carried the torch. I have played in many sporting events and also taken part in some charity activities in the local community.